An analysis of momentum investing strategy identifies four stocks trading near their 52-week highs with strong earnings growth and undervalued metrics. HPE, ARW, KSS, and GCT are highlighted as having potential for continued upside, supported by positive catalysts, robust guidance, and consistent earnings surprises.

Macy's is strengthening its digital capabilities and AI integration across its omnichannel strategy. Digital penetration reached 31% of net sales in Q2 FY2026, with the Ask Macy's AI assistant expanding to in-store colleagues. The company raised its fiscal 2026 outlook, expecting net sales of $21.68-$21.83 billion and comparable sales growth of 1-1.5%, supported by improved operational metrics including a 7% increase in units processed per hour.

Macy's raised its 2026 EPS guidance to $2.15-$2.35 following strong Q2 results with 2.7% comparable sales growth and 14% adjusted earnings increase. However, the company expects Q3 adjusted earnings losses of 19-23 cents per share due to heavy reinvestment and tough year-over-year comparisons, though lower tariff pressure and supply-chain efficiencies should support margins.

The article explains why EV-to-EBITDA is a superior valuation metric compared to P/E ratios, as it accounts for debt and provides a more complete picture of company value. Five stocks meeting strict screening criteria—Par Pacific Holdings, Amkor Technology, Kohl's, Avnet, and Ecovyst—are highlighted as attractive bargain stocks with low EV-to-EBITDA multiples and strong growth prospects.

Kohl's reported adjusted Q2 EPS of $1.28, up 128.6% year-over-year, beating expectations despite a 0.9% revenue decline. The company raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $1.80-$2.40 and improved its sales outlook. However, margin expansion was significantly aided by $100M in tariff refunds, and the company faces execution challenges in the critical holiday season ahead.

Kohl's (KSS) trades at a discount to market benchmarks with improved earnings guidance raised to $1.80-$2.40 per share and strengthened liquidity ($821M cash). However, negative comparable sales trends and recent downward earnings estimate revisions temper the recovery outlook. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #1 with a Value Score of A but Momentum Score of C, suggesting measured optimism rather than confirmed recovery.

Kohl's shares gained 15.6% over three months following a strong Q2 earnings beat with adjusted EPS of $1.28 versus consensus of $0.55. The company showed improved merchandising, expanded gross margins, and strengthened liquidity. However, comparable sales remain negative and full-year guidance calls for flat to down 1.5% sales, leaving the top-line recovery unproven. The stock trades above its five-year valuation median, raising questions about sustainability.

Several major retailers reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter earnings results, driving significant stock price increases. Abercrombie & Fitch surged 35.7% after beating EPS estimates by 24%, while Kohl's, J.M. Smucker, and Williams-Sonoma also exceeded consensus expectations with modest gains.

The S&P 500 closed at a record 7,520.36 on Wednesday with a marginal 0.02% gain. Polymarket traders are leaning bearish ahead of Thursday's crucial PCE inflation reading, with a 55% probability of a lower open. Oil prices rose 2% to $90/barrel following U.S. military strikes in Iran. Despite geopolitical concerns, the market remains supported by AI enthusiasm and strong corporate earnings.

Target's turnaround strategy is paying off with renewed sales growth and improved outlook, while Kohl's continues to struggle with declining comparable sales and faces stiff competition from larger retailers and e-commerce platforms. Target's stock appears undervalued at 15x earnings with a 3.6% dividend yield, whereas Kohl's faces a challenging 2026 with expected revenue growth under 1% and a 38% EPS decline.

Dillard's reported strong Q1 earnings of $16.04 per share, beating expectations by $5.91, but the rally quickly faded as investors realized $5.10 per share came from a litigation settlement. The stock surged to $593 in premarket trading but ended only 0.4% higher as investors reassessed valuations after a 270% five-year run. Wall Street remains cautious with two Sell and three Hold ratings, citing concerns about underlying growth and forward guidance.

Kohl's stock has given back most of its 2025 gains, falling from $25 to around $12 after the company reported declining same-store sales for the fifth consecutive year and guided for a 2% net sales decline in 2026. Despite beating earnings expectations, management has ruled out further store closures in the near term, focusing instead on optimizing existing operations and leveraging its omnichannel strategy. The stock's recovery remains uncertain pending improved sales performance.